Nineteen dead nationwide from West Nile

OMAHA, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Nineteen people have died nationwide from West Nile virus with the most deaths in Colorado and Nebraska, says the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.

Most recently, two more Nebraskans with West Nile virus have died.

Other states have provided more specific age and geographic information about West Nile deaths, but Nebraska's health system has refused because of concerns about patient confidentiality, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

Dr. Richard Raymond, the Nebraska's chief medical officer, said in statement that county information may not be relevant.

"Where a death occurred may not reflect where that person was exposed," he said. "The county of residence is not relevant. West Nile is everywhere."

Humans contract the virus from the bites of mosquitoes. The insects get infected by birds.

August is the prevalent time for West Nile, but most people infected exhibit no symptoms or have mild flu-like symptoms such as fever and muscle aches.